Systems and Methods for Third Party Emergency Call Termination

ABSTRACT

Various systems and methods for servicing emergency calls are disclosed. One such method includes providing a location database that includes physical location information about a communication device. This location information can be accessed either directly or indirectly by an emergency service answering system, while concealing the information from a network responsible for terminating the call.

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/009,212, filed Dec. 9, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,734,019,which is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/009,204 entitled“Systems and Methods for Dynamically Registering Endpoints in aNetwork,” and filed by Terpstra; and U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/009,216 entitled “Systems and Methods for Locating Endpoints in aCommunication Network,” and filed by Hagens et al. The aforementionedapplications are assigned to an entity common hereto, and filed on adate common herewith. Further, the entirety of each of theaforementioned applications is incorporated herein by reference for allpurposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for identifying thelocation of a communication device, and in particular to systems andmethods for identifying the location of a device originating acommunication and/or providing location information to an emergencyservices dispatcher.

In traditional land based telephone systems, a call is passed to publicsafety answering point with a generally available call back number thatis associated with a fixed physical location of the originatingtelephone. The call back number can be used to identify the location ofan originating call, and the location information can then be passedpublic safety answering point. Unlike traditional land based systems,developing telecommunication networks often associate telephone numberswith telecommunication devices or registered users rather than physicallocations. Thus, it is often the case that the associated telephonenumber is not directly correlated to a physical location of anoriginating call. This can be detrimental to servicing emergency calls.Further, with the ever increasing competition among telecommunicationservice providers, there is some concern that the call back informationmay be used for competitive or other marketing reasons. Thus, there issome resistance to sharing callback information betweentelecommunication service providers. This resistance to sharing callback numbers further inhibits the successful treatment of calls to apublic safety answering point.

Hence, for at least the aforementioned reasons, there exists a need inthe art for advanced systems and methods to address the needs of thecommunication industry.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for identifying thelocation of a communication device, and in particular to systems andmethods for identifying the location of a device originating acommunication and/or providing location information to an emergencyservices dispatcher.

Various embodiments of the present invention provide methods forservicing an emergency call. The methods include providing a locationdatabase that maintains a physical location of a communication device.Further, an emergency call is received that originates from thecommunication device accessible via a call back number. A call requestis formed in relation to the emergency call. The call request includesan indication of an emergency service answering system and a key. Thecall request is provided to a network that is capable of routing theemergency call to an emergency service answering system indicated by thecall request. A request for the call back number and the physicallocation of the communication device are received, and in response tothe request, the call back number and physical location of thecommunication device are provided.

In some instances of the methods, the emergency service answering systemis a PSAP indicated by an ESRN. In such instances, the key is an ESQKthat is operable to trigger a lookup of a call back number for thecommunication device and a location of the communication device. Inparticular instances, the lookup of the call back number is performed byan ALI database. Thus, the request for the call back number and thephysical location of the communication device is received from the ALIdatabase.

In yet other instances of the methods, a communication device stabilitymodule is provided, and the methods further include determining alocation status of the communication device, and based at least in parton the location status of the communication device, querying for alocation of the communication device. As just some examples, thelocation status can be an indication that the communication device hasor may have moved. Thus, the location status may be triggered by achange in Internet Protocol address between when the device previouslyaccessed the network, a recent power on or boot-up status provided bythe communication device, an access to the network via a differentgateway or other server than previously utilized, and/or an indicationfrom the communication device that the device has moved.

In some cases, querying for the current location of the communicationdevice includes connecting the communication device to a voice responseunit capable of ascertaining the location of the communication device.In one particular case, the voice response unit asks for and receivesthe physical address of the communication device from a user of thecommunication device. In other cases, a plurality of potential locationsfor the communication device are predefined in relation to thecommunication device. When the communication device is connected to thevoice response unit, a menu comprising the list of predefined locationsis presented, and a user can select one of the predefined locations asthe physical location of the communication device. Thus, a home address,a work address, a vacation home address, and/or another likely locationof the communication device can be registered in relation to thecommunication device. This facilitates ease of updating a physicallocation of a mobile communication device.

In yet other cases, querying for the current location of thecommunication device includes sending a voice mail and/or an email to auser of the communication device indicating that the user should call into the voice response unit; providing a modified dial tone to thecommunication device, wherein the modified dial tone indicates that theuser should call in to the voice response unit; and/or sending a voicemail to a user of the communication device indicating that the usershould call in to the voice response unit. Alternatively or in addition,querying for the current location of the communication device includessending an email to a user of the communication device indicating thatthe user should access a website that is operable to query for updatedlocation information; providing a modified dial tone to thecommunication device, wherein the modified dial tone indicates that theuser should access the website; and/or sending a voice mail to a user ofthe communication device indicating that the user should access thewebsite.

Other embodiments of the present invention provide methods forterminating an emergency call. The methods include receiving a callrequest from a third party network. The call request is associated withan emergency call placed by a communication device communicably coupledto the third party network, and the call request includes an indicationof an emergency service answering system and a key in place of a callback number. The key is provided to the emergency service answeringsystem, and a communication connection between the communication deviceand the emergency service answering system is initiated. In some cases,the key may be the same as the call back number when ALI is loaded withthe telephone number. In such methods, the emergency service answeringsystem is capable of using the key to determine the call back number forthe communication device.

In some cases, the call back number and location of the communicationdevice are available to the emergency service answering system, butconcealed from the recipient of the call request by the third partynetwork. In some instances, the emergency service answering system is aPSAP, and the call back number and/or location of the communicationdevice are available to the PSAP indirectly via an ALI database. In somecases, the lookup includes accessing a location database maintained inrelation to the third party network.

Yet other embodiments of the present invention provide systems forservicing an emergency call. The systems include a location database anda computer readable medium. The computer readable medium includesinstructions executable by a microprocessor to: receive an emergencycall that originates from a communication device and is at a physicallocation. The instructions are further executable to form a call requestin relation to the emergency call that includes an indication of anemergency service answering system and a key; to provide the callrequest to a network that is capable of routing the emergency call to anemergency service answering system indicated by the call request; toreceive a request for the physical location of the communication device;to access the location database where the physical location of thecommunication device is maintained; and in response to the request forthe physical location of the communication device, to provide thephysical location of the communication device. In some cases, theinstructions are further executable to: receive a request for the callback; and in response to the request for the call back number, providethe call back number. The request for either or both of the call backnumber and the physical location of the communication device can bereceived either directly or indirectly from the emergency serviceanswering system. Further, the call back number and/or physical locationof the communication device can be concealed from the network. As oneexample, the aforementioned information can be indirectly requested viaan ALI database.

This summary provides only a general outline of some embodimentsaccording to the present invention. Many other objects, features,advantages and other embodiments of the present invention will becomemore fully apparent from the following detailed description, theappended claims and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A further understanding of the various embodiments of the presentinvention may be realized by reference to the figures which aredescribed in remaining portions of the specification. In the figures,like reference numerals are used throughout several to refer to similarcomponents. In some instances, a sub-label consisting of a lower caseletter is associated with a reference numeral to denote one of multiplesimilar components. When reference is made to a reference numeralwithout specification to an existing sub-label, it is intended to referto all such multiple similar components.

FIG. 1 depict a communication network in accordance with someembodiments of the present invention as well as a compoundnon-traditional communication device useful in accordance with someembodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2A depicts a method for registering devices and/or device locationsin accordance with various embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2B depicts a method for updating device location in accordance withsome embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 depict a method in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent invention for locating a device and/or fielding communications;

FIG. 4 depicts a system in accordance with various embodiments of thepresent invention for terminating third party emergency calls; and

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method in accordance with someembodiments of the present invention for terminating third partyemergency calls.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for identifying thelocation of a communication device, and in particular to systems andmethods for identifying the location of a device originating acommunication and/or providing location information to an emergencyservices dispatcher.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methodsfor servicing emergency calls. One such method includes providing alocation database that includes physical location information about acommunication device. This location information can be accessed eitherdirectly or indirectly by an emergency service answering system, whileconcealing the information from a network responsible for terminatingthe call. In one particular embodiment of the present invention, a firstnetwork can receive an incoming call from a user associated with thenetwork. In turn, the first network determines that the incoming call isan emergency call and obtains an indication of an emergency servicesanswering system that services emergency calls originating from thegeographic area where the user is located, and a key. The indication ofan emergency services answering system and the key are passed to asecond network responsible for terminating the call. The second networkroutes the call and provides the key to the emergency services answeringsystem indicated. The emergency services answering system then uses thekey to request the location of the user and the call back number of theuser from the first network.

In some cases, one or more networks may not include capability to routecalls to various emergency services answering systems. In such cases,systems and methods of the present invention may be utilized to allow athird party network to terminate calls going to unsupported emergencyservices answering systems. Further, in some cases this can be donewithout disclosing various information about the calling party to thenetwork terminating the call, while still making such informationavailable to the receiving emergency services answering systems. Basedon the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize various other advantages that can be achieved using systemsand methods of the present invention.

Various embodiments of the present invention provide methods foridentifying communication origin location in relation to an emergencyresponse system. As used herein, the term “communication originlocation” is used in its broadest sense to mean any description of thephysical location from which a communication is originated. Thus, forexample, a communication origin location can be, but is not limited to,a street address of the location where a communication is beinginitiated, or a longitude and latitude coordinate of the location fromwhich the communication originates.

The aforementioned methods for identifying communication origin locationcan include providing a communication device stability module capable ofdetermining a location status of a communication device. As used herein,the term “stability module” is used in its broadest sense to mean anysystem, device, and/or software program capable of receiving inputs fromor about a communication device, and determining whether thecommunication device may have potentially changed location. Further, asused herein, the term “location status” is used in its broadest sense tomean any status about a communication device related to the location ofthe communication device. Thus, for example, a location status canindicate, among other things, that a subject device has moved or haspotentially moved, and/or the actual location of the subject device. Asjust some examples, a location status indicating that a subject devicepotentially moved may be triggered by a change in Internet Protocoladdress between when the device previously accessed the network, arecent power on or boot-up status provided by the communication device,an access to the network via a different gateway or load balancer thanpreviously utilized, and/or an indication from the communication devicethat the device has moved. Yet further, the term “communication device”is used in its broadest sense to mean any device whereby communicationsor other information are introduced or received from a communicationnetwork. Thus, as just some examples, the communication device can be,but is not limited to, a SIP phone, a DSL modem, a dial up modem, or acable modem. Based at least in part on the location status of thecommunication device, a query for a current location of thecommunication device is performed. In some places in this document acommunication device is generally referred to a Terminal Adapter (“TA”).

In some cases of the aforementioned methods for identifyingcommunication origin location, querying for the current location of thecommunication device includes connecting the communication device to avoice response unit capable of ascertaining the physical location of thecommunication device. In one particular case, the query is performed viaa voice response unit that requests and receives the physical addressassociated with the location of the communication device from a user ofthe communication device. In other cases, a plurality of potentiallocations for the communication device are predefined in relation to thecommunication device. When the communication device is connected to thevoice response unit, a menu comprising the list of predefined locationsis presented, and a user can select one of the predefined locations asthe physical location of the communication device. Thus, a home address,a work address, a vacation home address, and/or another likely locationof the communication device can be registered in relation to thecommunication device. This facilitates ease of updating a physicallocation of a mobile communication device.

Turning to FIG. 1A, a communication network 100 operable in accordancewith various embodiments of the present invention is illustrated.Communication network 100 includes a voice network 110 with one or moreregistrar servers 116, one or more feature servers 114, one or more datacollection units 112, and one or more location databases 117. Registrarserver 116 is operable to direct communications. Feature server 114 isoperable to provide one or more telecommunications services provided viavoice network 110. For example, feature server 114 may provide calleridentification, call forwarding, voice mail, and/or the like. In oneparticular case, feature server 114 is a Class-5 soft switch. Datacollection unit 112 is operable to gather information from or about oneor more communication devices accessing voice network 110. Suchinformation may include, for example, the physical location of acommunication device and identification information about thecommunication device. This information can be updated to locationdatabase 117. Location database 117 may be used to provide physicallocation information to an Automatic Location Identification (“ALI”)database 418 as known in the art. Such an ALI database is accessible toone or more Public Safety Answering Points (“PSAP”), and can providephysical location information about the location of an incoming call.

In addition, network 100 includes one or more NAT Traversal Managers(“NTM”) 198 and one or more gateways 135, 165. In the illustratedconfiguration, NTM 198 is operable to facilitate communications betweena public internet 185 and voice network 110. Similarly, gateways 135,165 are operable to facilitate communications between respective PublicSwitched Telephone Networks (PSTN) 125, 155 and voice network 110. Suchgateways can be, for example, gateways capable of transmissions betweenTDM and IP sources. NTMs and gateways are available from a number ofsources, with a number of functional capabilities, and in a number ofdifferent configurations. Based on the disclosure provided herein, oneof ordinary skill in the art will recognize one or more appropriate NTMsand/or gateways capable of supporting the disclosed functions. In someembodiments, NTM 198 is operable to traverse home firewalls by keeping apinhole open for sending SIP Requests to an accessing communicationdevice. This may be used to reduce or eliminate the possibility of ahome firewall blocking SIP Requests related to establishing a call tothe communication device. The communication device can also participatein keeping the pinhole open by periodically sending SIP Registermessages to NTM 198.

While FIG. 1A shows two PSTNs 125, 155 included with network 100, one ofordinary skill in the art will recognize that any number of PSTNs and/orLECs can be communicably coupled to voice network 110. For illustrationpurposes, PSTNs are shown coupled to one or more land lines 130, 160 viawhich fixed point telecommunications can be serviced. Such land linescan be, for example, traditional PSTN phone lines coupled to traditionaltelephones. The PSTN receiving the call may access location database 117(using a direct or other connection not necessarily traversing voicenetwork 110). Location database 117 includes a cross reference providingthe physical address associated with the fixed location land lines 130,160. Using this physical information, a PSAP responsible for respondingto emergency calls in the geographic area associated with the identifiedphysical address is selected, and the PSTN connects the call to theselected PSAP. Based on this disclosure, it should be recognized thateither of PSTNs 125, 155 may access one or more PSAPs not just thesingle PSAP illustrated. When the PSAP is contacted, the physicaladdress information and other information about the call isautomatically provided to the receiving PSAP.

Also shown are two PSAPs 140, 170 that are responsible for dispatchingpublic services in relation to respective physical geographies 120, 150.A PSAP is a designated recipient of emergency calls within a particulargeography. Typically, a PSAP includes an emergency operator andcommunication systems capable of dispatching appropriate emergencyservices to the physical origin of an emergency call, or some otherlocation designated by an emergency caller. It should be recognized thatany number of PSAPs can be communicably coupled with voice network 110and/or respective PSTNs, with each representing different geographies.Also, as illustrated, some PSAPs (e.g., PSAP 140) may be directlycoupled to voice network 110 (i.e., a VoIP enabled PSAP), while otherPSAPs (e.g., PSAP 170) may only be accessible to voice network 110 via aPSTN (i.e., a PSTN exclusive PSAP). Yet other PSAPs (not illustrated)may only be accessible via voice network 110 (i.e., a VoIP exclusivePSAP). Such communication directly from voice network 110 to a PSAP maybe handled by a Session Border Controller (SBC) which is capable of IPto IP transmissions.

In addition to land lines 130, 160, a number of non-traditionalcommunication devices can be connected to network 100 from a number ofphysical locations. These devices are grouped together with publicinternet 185 as geographically unbounded region 180. Geographicallyunbounded region 180 can include a number of devices from physicalgeographies 120, 150, as well as other physical geographies. Suchnon-traditional communication devices can include, but are not limitedto, one or more fixed location communication devices 190, 192 stationedin various physical locations, and/or one or more roaming communicationdevices 196 capable of moving between various physical locations. Suchcommunication devices can be, but are not limited to, traditional analogtelephones communicably coupled to public internet 185 via an AnalogTerminal Adapter (ATA), Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones,computers operable to transmit via public internet 185, Personal DigitalAssistants (PDA) operable to transmit via public internet 185, and/orthe like. As illustrated, public internet 185 includes a load balancer187 operable to redirect a communication device to an appropriate accesspoint. Based on the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill inthe art will recognize one or more routing rules that can be employed inrelation to the redirection. As illustrated, PSAP 170 is accessible tovoice network 110 only via PSTN 155, while PSAP 140 is accessible tovoice network 110 via both PSTN 125 and directly as indicated by a path199.

Turning to FIG. 1B, an exemplary configuration of a compound,non-traditional communication device 101 useful in relation toembodiments of the present invention is illustrated. Non-traditionalcommunication device 101 includes a broadband modem 115 capable ofcoupling to public internet 185, an Analog Terminal Adapter (ATA) 113capable of attaching a traditional analog telephone 103 to broadbandmodem 115, and a home router 111 capable of allowing access for one ormore communication devices to broadband modem 115. Such communicationdevices can be, for example, an electronic monitor 109, a personalcomputer 107, and an IP telephone 105. Electronic monitor 109 may be anydevice or system capable of monitoring a defined set of events andreporting on that set of events. Thus, for example, electronic monitor109 can be a home security system or a patient health status monitoringsystem. Such systems may be capable of automatically initiating anemergency call and thereafter transmitting relevant informationassociated with the emergency call. Based on the disclosure providedherein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a number ofelectronic monitoring equipment that can be associated withnon-traditional communication device 101, and a number of situationsthat can be monitored by such devices.

It should be noted that the configuration is merely exemplary and thatmany configurations can be used in relation to embodiments of thepresent invention. For example, PC 107 may connect directly to broadbandrouter 115, and in some cases, broadband router 115 may be replaced by adial up modem. Alternatively, IP phone 105 may include a broadband modemcapable of coupling directly to public internet 185. Based on thedisclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize a number of other configurations and/or equipment either apartor in combination that can serve the function of non-traditionalcommunication device 101.

Turning now to FIG. 2A, a flow diagram 200 illustrates a method foridentifying communication device location in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present invention. Following flow diagram 200, arequest is received to initially register or enroll a user (block 205).This user may be, for example, an individual or entity that contacts atelecommunications provider for service. The user is registered byreceiving and entering, for example, the name and contact informationfor the user. The contact information for the user may include, but isnot limited to, the user's home address, billing address, payment form,email address, telephone number, and/or the like. Further, thetelecommunications provider typically assigns one or more telephonenumbers through which communication devices associated with the user canbe accessed.

In some embodiments of the present invention, this process ofregistration is facilitated using an Internet website. In such anembodiment a potential customer accesses a website maintained by atelecommunications service provider. At the website, the potentialcustomer enters contact and payment information. The telecommunicationsservices provider provides the customer with a telephone number that isprovisioned to direct communications to a communication device used bythe customer. Alternatively or in addition, the telecommunicationsservices provider or user may port the user's existing number to theprovider (LNP).

In addition, a primary location of the user is identified (block 210),along with one or more alternative locations for the user (block 215).In general, the primary location would be where the user would mostlikely be found, and the alternative locations would be locations thatthe user frequents. Thus, as one example, the user may be an individualwith the individual's home address being the primary location. The homeaddress can be maintained in a format that can be used by a PSAP indisbursing emergency services personnel. Thus, for example, the primarylocation may be a street address of the individual's home. Based on thedisclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize various other location formats that may be used in accordancewith embodiments of the present invention. For example, the locationsmay be recorded in longitude and latitude coordinates satisfactory foraccess using a GPS guidance system. Alternative locations may be theindividual's work address, the address of a friend or relative's house,the address of a frequented hotel, and/or the like. In one particularembodiment, the list of locations is entered by a user via a websitemaintained by the telecommunications service provider.

All of these locations are assembled into a predefined location list(block 220) which is associated with the user. In some embodiments ofthe present invention, this location list is associated with each phonenumber assigned to the user. Further, this list can be dynamic allowingthe user to add, delete, and change locations from the predefinedlocation list when such changes are appropriate. In some cases, changescan be made to the list of locations by indicating a new currentphysical location via a voice response unit as described below. Further,where a particular location is not used for a long period of time, itmay be removed from the list. In other cases, the list may be modifiedthrough access to the website maintained by the telecommunicationsservice provider.

In some embodiments, this predefined location list is associated with adevice used by the user. Thus, for example, when the user registers withthe system, one or more communication devices utilized by the user areassociated with the predefined location list. This may include, forexample, associating a serial number or some other identifying featureof a device with the predefined location list.

Periodically, a communication device accesses the network andregisters/re-registers itself with the telecommunications serviceprovider (block 225). The registration access may be done automaticallybased upon a preset period, and/or upon trying to make a phone callusing the network. During the registration process, various informationis provided to the telecommunications service provider including, butnot limited to, the call back number for the originating communicationdevice and origination information related to the call. In some cases,the origination information includes an IP address associated with thecommunication device originating the call.

Upon receiving the network access request (block 225), it is determinedwhether the communication device making the request may have moved, andwhere appropriate updating the location of the communication device(block 230). One or more methods may be used to determine a change indevice location including, but not limited to, a user of the deviceindicating that the device location has changed, a change in an IPaddress of the communication device, access to a different load balancerby the communication device, and/or an automatic locating mechanism suchas, for example, GPS capability associated with the communicationdevice. Turning to FIG. 2B, one embodiment of block 230 is described ingreater detail.

It is determined whether the communication device registering with thenetwork is associated with an automatic locating mechanism, and inparticular whether it includes GPS locating capability (block 235).Where such capability is available (block 235), it is determined whetherthe current GPS coordinates have changed significantly since the lasttime the communication device was used to access the network (block240). In one particular case, this can include maintaining a registerthat includes the previous location of the communication device, whilein other cases this can include accessing location database 117 todetermine the previous location of the communication device. Thisprevious location information can be compared with the presentinformation to determine whether the communication device has changedlocations (e.g., whether a substantial change in GPS latitude and/orlongitude is noted).

Where the GPS coordinates indicate a substantial change in location(block 240), the new coordinates are updated to be the current physicallocation of the communication device (block 245). In some cases, thiscan include providing the newly received coordinates to data collectionunit 112 which in turn updates the location information to locationdatabase 117. Before the update to the location database, the GPScoordinates may be converted to address information useful indispatching emergency personnel. This may include converting the GPScoordinate information to street address information. As anotherexample, updating location database 117 with the most recent GPSlocation may be done directly without utilizing the data collectionunit. Where no substantial change in location is indicated by the GPScoordinates (block 240), the existing location information for thecommunication device is used (block 260).

Alternatively, where it is found that the communication device is notassociated with an automatic locating mechanism (block 235), it isdetermined if the communication device is accessing the network usingthe same load balancer used in a prior access (block 255). Moreparticularly, when a device accesses a load balancer, the load balancerqueries the load balancer cache to determine registration status orother preferences about the communication device. Where such preferencesare found, it is assumed that the communication device accessed thecurrent load balancer last time the communication device accessed thenetwork. Alternatively, where such preferences are not found, the loadbalancer creates a device record in its cache and it is assumed that adifferent load balancer was used last time the communication deviceaccessed the network. Access via a different load balancer suggests thatthe communication device may have moved.

Where it is determined that the communication device may have moved(block 255), the user utilizing the communication device is queried forupdated location information (block 265). In some cases, this caninclude connecting the communication device to data collection unit 112which performs the query. Location information is received from the user(block 285), and the location information is recorded in a locationdatabase in association with a designation of the communication device(block 290). The designation of the communication device can be, forexample, a telephone number of the communication device. This updatedlocation information can be accessed indirectly by a call to an ALIdatabase as described in more detail below in relation to FIG. 3.

As one particular example, data collection unit 112 is a Voice ResponseUnit (VRU) that presents a selection menu with the primary location andone or more alternative locations. This menu can be audibly provided tothe user via the communication device, and the user can select one ofthe provided locations or select “other” and provide a new location notpreviously included in the list of locations. Thus, for example, wherethe list of locations includes the user's home address and work addressand the user is at the home address, the user would select the homeaddress. Alternatively, where the user is at a friend's house, the userwould select “other” and verbally say the address of the friend's house.This new location would be added to the list of locations. Based on thedisclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that the list of locations may be presented in an order wherethe most likely address is presented first followed by less likelyaddresses in descending order. Further, based on the disclosure providedherein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that some of thelocations can be removed from the list based on non-use. It should alsobe noted that other mechanisms for querying the user for locationinformation can be used in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention. For example, the communication device may have a display anddata collection unit 112 may be capable of displaying a list of locationoptions via the display. In such a case, the user can select from thedisplayed locations, or enter an alternative location.

Where the communication device accesses the network via the same loadbalancer, but using an IP address different from that previously used toaccess the network (block 250), potential movement of the communicationdevice is indicated. In particular, such a change in IP address mayindicate that the communication device was powered down between networkaccesses, and such a power down state suggests that the communicationdevice was potentially moved. Based on this indication of potentialdevice movement, the user is queried for location information and thatlocation information is updated as pervasively described in relation toblocks 265, 285 and 290. Where no potential device movement is indicated(blocks 250, 255), the existing location information is used (block260). Returning to FIG. 2A, with the updating of device locationcomplete (block 230), the status of the device is indicated as activeallowing the network to service calls from the device (block 295). Insome cases where an emergency call is placed, but the device locationupdate (block 230) fails to complete, the call is still serviced by thenetwork.

In other embodiments, the predefined location list is not initiallypopulated, but is rather dynamically formed by entering a new locationin the list each time the user accesses the telecommunications networkfrom a potentially different location. Over time, the list of locationsbecomes larger as the user utilizes the telecommunications network fromdifferent locations.

Turning to FIG. 3, a flow diagram 300 depicts a more particularembodiment of the present invention for facilitating emergency calls.Following flow diagram 300, a SIP endpoint represented by one ofcommunication devices 190, 192, 196 sends a SIP Register Message to aprovisioned URL (block 303). The SIP Register Message includes thetelephone number (block 306) for the communication device, as well asthe IP address (block 309) of the communication device.

The SIP register message goes to load balancer 187, and load balancer187 redirects the originating communication device based on one or morerouting rules to registrar 116. This redirection can include a SIP MovedTemporarily Message with one or more redirect URLs. The communicationdevice uses the first of the redirect URLs as the destination of theoriginal SIP Register Message for a period specified in the MovedTemporarily Message. The first URL indicates NTM 198 and based on the IPaddress of the communication device and the port on which NTM 198received the request, NTM 198 directs the SIP Register Message toregistrar server 116 (block 316). When registrar server 116 receives theSIP Register Message, it may authenticate the communication device bysending back a SIP Authorize Response. Such a response notifies thecommunication device that it needs to send a subsequent SIP RegisterMessage with a valid username and password. Registrar server 116 thenaccesses subscriber information with the username and password tovalidate the registration.

During this process, registrar server 116 determines if the IP addressof the communication device is the same as that used last time thecommunication device accessed the network (block 319). Where a differentIP address is detected (block 319), registrar 116 stores the newlyreceived IP address as the current IP address (block 323) and sets up acall between the communication device and data collection unit 112(block 326). Where data collection unit 112 is a voice response unit,registrar 116 uses SIP signaling to invite the VRU to join a call.Because registrar server 116 does not yet have a Session DescriptionProtocol (SDP) for the communication device, it sends a null SDP to theVRU placing it on hold. When registrar server 116 receives the SDP fromthe VRU, registrar server 116 sends a SIP Invite to the communicationdevice with the SDP for the VRU. The communication device returns itsSDP to registrar server 116. This return from the communication devicemay occur during ringing so registrar server 116 can re-Invite the VRUbefore the call is answered. In addition, registrar server 116 uses theSDP from the communication device to send a SIP re-Invite to the VRU.When the VRU receives the SIP Invite, it takes the phone off hold, andwaits for call answer. When the call answer occurs, the VRU beginsplaying menu options querying a user of the communication device forlocation information (block 329).

With the media path thus established between the communication deviceand the VRU, the user can hear the menu options via the communicationdevice. The user can respond to the menu options by indicating a currentlocation of the communication device which is received by the VRU (block333). Further, in some cases, the VRU can perform some level ofauthentication to determine whether the accessing user is authenticated.In turn, the VRU updates location database 117 and associates thereceived location information with the telephone number of thecommunication device (block 336). In one particular case, updatinglocation database 117 is done via a message sent in XML format from theVRU to location database 117. This completes the registration processwhich is periodically repeated, or performed on power up of the TA.

Based on the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in theart will recognize other possible methods for initiating communicationbetween the VRU and the user. For example, the call may be automaticallyset up as previously described, or the user may be encouraged to callthe VRU. The user can be encouraged to call the VRU in one of variousways including sending the user a voicemail, email or other messageindicating that the user should call the VRU, changing the dial tone ofthe communication device used by the user, and/or the like. The dialtone could be changed from a standard dial tone to, for example, astutter tone or other audible indicator played to the phone when theuser picks up the receiver after changing IP addresses. This couldindicate that the user needs to dial into the VRU and provide updatedlocation information. As yet another alternative, a user may be directedto a website to update their location information. In particular, a usermay be sent a voicemail, email, or a modified dial tone encouraging theuser to log onto a particular website and update location information.In turn, the website receiving the updated location information mayprovide that location information to location database 117.

Turning to FIG. 3B, a flow diagram 301 depicts call completion processesthat can be performed in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent invention. Following flow diagram 301, a TA initiates a call(block 332). The call includes the telephone number of the originatingTA and the telephone number of the destination. It is determined if thecall is an emergency call (block 343). In one particular case, thisdetermination is made by determining whether the telephone number of thedestination is “911”. Where the call is a non-emergency call (block343), standard call termination is utilized to complete the call (block346).

Otherwise, where the call is an emergency call (block 343), featureserver 114 requests contact information for the PSAP responsible forservicing emergency calls from the geographic area where the TA islocated (block 349). The requested information includes an EmergencyServices Routing Number (“ESRN”) that uniquely identifies theappropriate PSAP, and an Emergency Services Request Key (“ESQK”) thatalerts the PSAP that an indirect lookup is necessary to determine thelocation and call back number for the communication device. The featureserver receives the requested ESRN and ESQK (block 353), and initiatesrouting of the emergency call to the PSAP using the ESRN (block 353).Routing the emergency call to the PSAP includes setting up a mediacommunication path from voice network 110 to the PSAP (e.g., PSAP 140)via a gateway (e.g., gateway 135) and a PSTN (e.g., PSTN 125) local tothe PSAP. In other embodiments, voice network 110 enjoys a more directlink to the PSTN allowing voice network 110 to transmit information tothe PSAP without traversing the PSTN. This possibility is depicted inFIG. 1A, where a direct connection 199 from voice network 110 to PSAP140 is shown. In yet other embodiments where a Selective Router Trunk(SR Trunk) is available, voice network 100 routes the call to the SRTrunk, and if that fails to the PSAP admin line using the caller's phonenumber.

In the routed call, the telephone number for the TA is replaced by theESQK (block 359). The PSAP receives the routed call and uses the ESQK toaccess ALI database 118 (block 363). Based on the received ESQK, ALIdatabase 418 accesses location database 117 (block 366) which returnsthe location and telephone number for the TA (block 369). The PSAP canuse the location information to dispatch emergency services, and thetelephone number of the TA to call back where the call is lost (block373).

Based on the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in theart will recognize that the ESQK is a specialized token used for oneparticular implementation, and that other tokens or substitute numbersmay be used in accordance with other embodiments of the presentinvention. For example, voice network 110 may be capable of generatingits own numbers for passage to a PSTN and operation similar to thatpreviously described as an ESQK. These numbers would cause the PSTN toaccess a database in voice network 110 to find out call back andlocation information. Similarly, based on the disclosure providedherein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that otherrouting indicators besides the ESRN may be available for use indirecting an emergency call to the appropriate PSAP.

In some embodiments of the present invention, more than one telephonenumber is associated with a user and/or communication device. In somecases, these telephone numbers could each be associated with a physicallocation and when a user picks a particular telephone number, they arealso picking the physical location associated with that telephonenumber. When the user selects to use one of the telephone numbers, theymay also be able to select to forward calls received on all the othertelephone numbers to the selected telephone number. In the case wherethe registrar server knows the other telephone numbers, the registrarserver can set up the call forwarding. It could also be possible for thevoice network to translate the original called number to the currentlyregistered number on the feature server or Edge Proxy Server (EPS)fronting the feature server.

An ALI database can be updated to include all of the telephone numbersalong with the associated physical locations, thus allowing a PSAP touse the received telephone number to access the ALI database anddetermine a physical location of the call origination. Where thetelephone number is not local to the appropriate PSAP for the physicallocation, the voice network may still connect the emergency call usingthe admin line of the PSAP, and directing the PSAP to the ALI databasefor physical location information as previously described. However,where the originating telephone number is local to the PSAP, the callmay be patched directly to the PSAP, and the PSAP can access thephysical location information from the ALI database much as it would doif a traditional land line was used to make the emergency call.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the communicationdevice used to access the voice network is communicably coupled to thevoice network via a broadband interface such as, but not limited to, aDSL or Cable Modem connection. In the embodiment, the geographiclocation is associated with the particular broadband interface. Thus,when an emergency call is received from the communication device, thegeographic location of the broadband interface can be used as thelocation of the communication device. In some cases, the location of thebroadband interface is maintained in a central database of an ISP. Thus,to access the location information the voice network relies on access todata from the ISP. Where such data is available, call processingprogresses similar to that described in relation to FIG. 2, except thatinstead of collecting data via the VRU, the data is gatheredautomatically from an available database. Registrar server 116 can usethis location information to update the location database as previouslydescribed.

Turning to FIG. 4, a system 400 for terminating third party emergencycalls in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention isillustrated. System 400 includes a voice network 411 with one or moreregistrar servers 416, one or more feature servers 414, one or more datacollection units 412, and one or more location databases 417. Registrarserver 416, feature server 414, data collection unit 412, and locationdatabase 417 are similar to the commonly named components described inrelation to FIG. 1A above. Voice network 411 is communicably coupled topublic internet 185 via NTM 498. Public internet 185 is communicablycoupled to one or more communication devices 190, 192, 196 via loadbalancer 187 as described in more detail above in relation to FIG. 1A.It should be noted that voice network 411 need not offer the sameservices as that of service network 410. Thus, for example, servicenetwork 410 can be a VoIP network while voice network 411 may be acircuit switched network. Based on the disclosure provided herein, oneof ordinary skill in the art will recognize a variety of networks andnetwork types that can be used for both voice network 411 and servicenetwork 410.

System 400 also includes an ALI database 418 and a service network 410communicably coupled voice network 411 via a session border controller403. Service network 410 includes one or more feature servers 413operable to receive communication information and instructions, and toterminate the communication information in accordance with theinstructions. Service network 410 is communicably coupled to PSTN 155via gateway 165. PSAP 170 is accessible via PSTN 155 as described inmore detail above in relation to FIG. 1A.

Using system 400, the location and call back number for each ofcommunication devices 190, 192, 196 is registered with voice network 411and the information is maintained in location database 417. When anemergency call is made from one of communication devices 190, 192, 196,the call is ultimately directed to feature server 414. Feature server414 requests an ESRN and ESQK in relation to servicing the call. ThisESRN and ESQK, along with control of the emergency call are then passedto feature server 413. In turn, feature server 413 directs the call tothe PSAP (e.g. PSAP 170) indicated by the ESRN and including the ESQK asthe call back number for the originating communication device. PSTN 155uses the received ESQK to access ALI database 418 to request thelocation of the originating communication device. Based on the receivedESQK, ALI database 418 accesses location database 417 to access thelocation and call back number for the originating communication device.ALI database passes the location and callback information of theoriginating communication device to PSTN 155, and PSTN 155 fields thecall and where necessary dispatches appropriate emergency services.Based on the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in theart will appreciate a variety of ESRN and ESQK like elements that can beused to implement systems and methods in accordance with embodiments ofthe present invention. For example, in some cases an ESQK may not beused at all if the third party voice network registers all telephonenumbers with the ALI. Further, it should be noted that how the thirdparty voice network derives the ESRN may be done in a variety ofdifferent ways.

Using such an approach, service network 410 can terminate emergencycalls to the appropriate PSTN without knowing the underlying informationabout a user of the originating communication device. Thus, voicenetwork 411 can provide emergency telephone service to its customerswithout implementing capability to terminate the calls, and withouthaving to disclose information about its customer base to outsiders.This can provide an effective way for offering emergency telephoneservices for a VoIP service provider. Based on the disclosure providedherein, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the systemsand methods of the present invention are not limited to just VoIPnetworks, but rather the invention can be applied to wireless carriersand landlines (e.g., CLEC) as well.

Turning now to FIG. 5, a flow diagram 500 illustrates a method inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention forterminating third party emergency calls.

Following flow diagram 500, a communication device previously registeredwith voice network 411 initiates a call (block 532). This registrationprocess includes determining a location of the communication device, andupdating that location along with the callback number for thecommunication device with location database 417. In some cases, thisregistration process proceeds similar to that described above inrelation to FIG. 3A. The call initiated by the communication deviceincludes the telephone number of the originating TA and the telephonenumber of the destination. The call is received by feature server 414(block 534), and the destination telephone number is used to determineif the call is an emergency call (block 543). Where the call is anon-emergency call (block 543), voice network 411 uses standard calltermination to complete the call (block 546).

Alternatively, where the call is an emergency call (block 543), featureserver 414 requests contact information for the PSAP responsible forservicing emergency calls from the geographic area where the TA islocated (block 549). The requested information includes the ESRN for theappropriate PSAP, and an ESQK to be used in relation with the PSAP.Feature server 414 receives the requested ESRN and ESQK (block 553), andreplaces the call back number of the originating communication devicewith the ESQK (block 555). With this done, feature server 414 transferscontrol of the emergency call to feature server 413 (block 557). Intransferring the call, feature server 414 indicates that the call shouldbe directed to the PSAP indicated by the ESRN. Further, by replacing thecallback number with the ESQK, feature server provides a means forobtaining location information and the callback number for theoriginating communication device without disclosing information (e.g.,the call back number) of the user originating the call. In this way,voice network 411 can guard its customer information from servicenetwork 410.

Having received control of the call and the ESQK and ESRN, featureserver 414 initiates routing of the call to the PSAP indicated by theESRN (block 559). The PSAP receiving the call accesses ALI database 418using the received ESQK (block 563). Based on the received ESQK, ALIdatabase 418 accesses location database 417 (block 566) which returnsthe location and telephone number for the originating communicationdevice (block 569). The PSAP can use the location information todispatch emergency services, and the telephone number of the TA to callback where the call is lost (block 573).

In conclusion, the present invention provides novel systems, methods andarrangements for detecting device locations; querying for devicelocation, reporting device location, and/or servicing third partyemergency calls. While detailed descriptions of one or more embodimentsof the invention have been given above, various alternatives,modifications, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in theart without varying from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, theabove description should not be taken as limiting the scope of theinvention, which is defined by the appended claims.

1. A method for updating a physical location record in a database inconnection with servicing a telecommunications call, the methodcomprising: receiving a telecommunications call originating from acommunication device; determining whether the communication device isassociated with an automatic locating device; if the communicationdevice is associated with an automatic locating device, then queryingfor a current set of physical location coordinates generated by theautomatic locating device; receiving the current set of physicallocation coordinates; comparing the current set of physical locationcoordinates to a set of physical location coordinates contained in thephysical location record; and if the current set of physical locationcoordinates are different from contained set of physical locationcoordinates, updating the physical location record to include thecurrent set of physical location coordinates.
 2. A method as recited inclaim 1, wherein the updating act comprises: replacing the contained setof physical location coordinates with the current set of physicallocation coordinates.
 3. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein theautomatic locating device is a Global Positioning System (“GPS”).
 4. Amethod as recited in claim 1, wherein the updating act comprises:converting the current set of physical location coordinates to addressinformation useful in dispatching emergency personnel.
 5. A method forservicing transitory telecommunication calls, the method comprising:providing a database having at least one physical location record;receiving a telecommunications call originating from a communicationdevice, wherein the communication device is associated with an automaticlocating device; receiving a current set of physical locationcoordinates generated by the automatic locating device; comparing thecurrent set of physical location coordinates to a prior set of physicallocation coordinates contained in the physical location record; ifcurrent set of physical location coordinates are different from theprior set of physical location coordinates, updating physical locationrecord to include the current set of physical location coordinates; andtransmitting the current set of physical location coordinates to a thirdparty for use in providing dispatch services.
 6. A method as recited inclaim 5, wherein the automatic locating device is a Global PositioningSystem (“GPS”).
 7. A method as recited in claim 5, wherein the updatingact comprises: converting the current set of physical locationcoordinates to address information useful in dispatching emergencypersonnel.
 8. A method as recited in claim 5, wherein the updating actcomprises: replacing the prior set of physical location coordinates withthe current set of physical location coordinates.
 9. A method forupdating a physical location record in a database in connection withservicing a telecommunications call, the method comprising: receiving atelecommunications call originating from a communication device; if thecommunication device is associated with an automatic locating device:receiving a current set of physical location coordinates generated bythe automatic locating device; comparing the current set of physicallocation coordinates to a set of physical location coordinates containedin the physical location record; and if current set of physical locationcoordinates are different from contained set of physical locationcoordinates, updating physical location record to include the currentset of physical location coordinates; if the communication device is notassociated with an automatic locating device: receiving an InternetProtocol (IP) address associated with a device involved in servicing thetelecommunications call; comparing the received IP address to a prior IPaddress associated with prior telecommunications call involving thecommunication device; if the received IP address does not match theprior IP address, then querying the communication device for a currentphysical location information; receiving the current physical locationinformation; and registering the current physical location informationin association with the communication device in the physical locationrecord.
 10. A method as recited in claim 9, wherein if the communicationdevice is not associated with an automatic locating device and if thereceived IP address does not match the prior IP address, the methodfurther comprising: connecting the communication device to a datacollection unit to perform the querying act.
 11. A method as recited inclaim 9, wherein the automatic locating device is a Global PositioningSystem (“GPS”).
 12. A method as recited in claim 9, wherein the updatingact comprises: converting the current set of physical locationcoordinates to address information useful in dispatching emergencypersonnel.
 13. A method as recited in claim 9, wherein if thecommunication device is not associated with an automatic locating deviceand if the received IP address does not match the prior IP address, theregistering act comprising: replacing physical location informationcontained in the physical location record with the current physicallocation information.
 14. A method as recited in claim 9, wherein if thecommunication device is associated with an automatic locating device andif the current set of physical location coordinates are different fromcontained set of physical location coordinates, the updating actcomprising: replacing the contained set of physical location coordinateswith the current set of physical location coordinates.